Multi-section fishing device

ABSTRACT

A device for use during fishing configured to be connected to the user&#39;s fishing line to attract fish. The device is shaped to be moved through the water and generally include a head and a tail. A channel extends through at least a portion of the device and is sized to receive the fishing line. The device is constructed from multiple sections. The sections are selectively positionable between a closed configuration with the sections connected together to connect the device to the fishing line, and an open configuration with the sections being separated to remove the device from the fishing line.

BACKGROUND

A variety of different devices are used by fisherman to attract fish.These devices are attached to the fishing line and moved through thewater. The devices may be configured to imitate a baitfish to attractthe fish. The devices may also include bright colors, have particularshapes, or include materials such as feathers, animal hair, or plasticskirts that attract the fish.

The appropriate attracting device for a particular time may depend upona wide number of variables, such as but not limited to the variousweather conditions, time of year, water conditions, and type of fish oneis trying to catch. Further, the conditions may change during a givenday, such as when the weather changes or the fisherman goes to adifferent location or tries to catch a different type of fish. Further,fish are often finicky and may be keying on a particular color or shapeon a particular day or at a particular time of the day. For example,orange-color devices may be effective on one day, but ineffective on thenext day.

Because of this wide range of variables, it is often good practice for afisherman to change their attracting device on a regular basis. Thisusually results in the fisherman catching more fish during the course ofa day. A drawback to this practice of regularly changing device is thetask is often tedious and time-consuming. The fisherman is oftenrequired to cut the fishing line to remove the current device. Thefisherman selects the next device and connects it to the fishing line.This often requires tying one or more knots to connect the device to thefishing line.

Changing the device is also made more difficult because of the fishingenvironment. This environment may include a being on a boat that ismoving due to waves, such as on an ocean or large lake. The boat mayalso be moving across the water as it moves to the next fishinglocation. Fishing often occurs at night, at sunrise, and at sunset, eachof which provides little to no light for the fisherman to see. Also, thefisherman may be out in cold temperatures which degrades finger movementand feel, or may be in wet conditions due to rain. These variousenvironments that are commonplace for a fisherman make it difficult tochange a device.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to a fish attracting deviceconfigured to be attachable to a user's fishing line. The deviceincludes first and second sections and may be selectively configurablebetween a closed configuration with the sections connected together andforming a channel to receive the fishing line, and an open configurationwith the sections separated to remove the device from the fishing line.The device provides for a straight-forward way to change devices andcombinations of sections when the user is fishing.

One embodiment is directed to a device for attaching to a fishing lineto attract fish that includes a body with an elongated shape with alongitudinal centerline. The body includes a head with an upstream tipand a downstream end. The body also includes an enclosed channel thatextends along the longitudinal centerline through a center of the headfrom the tip to the end of the head. The body also includes a tail thatextends outward from the end of the head along the longitudinalcenterline. The tail includes first and second fins that are spacedapart by a slot that is aligned along the longitudinal centerline andwith the fins being laterally spaced away from the longitudinalcenterline. The body is constructed from first and second sections thatare divided along the channel with a first portion of the channel beingin the first section and a second portion of the channel being in thesecond section.

The head may have a tapered shape with the tip that is narrower than theend when measured perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline.

The head may have a circular cross-sectional shape within a plane thatis perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline. The channel may bepositioned within a center of the circle.

The body may include a second slot positioned along from thelongitudinal centerline and including a first slot portion formed in thefirst section and a second slot portion formed in the second sectionwith the first and second slot portions being aligned together to formthe second slot.

The channel may have a circular cross-sectional shape within a planethat is perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline.

The end of the head may include a shoulder where the fins are spacedlaterally inward from an outer side of the head.

The device may also include a projection that extends along the firstportion of the channel and a receptacle that extends along the secondportion of the channel with the projection sized to fit within thereceptacle and form an interference fit to maintain the first sectionconnected to the second section.

Each of the fins may include a relatively flat face that is orientedtowards each other and which are located on opposing sides of thelongitudinal centerline.

Each of the fins may include an enlarged flange having a shoulder andpositioned at a distal end opposite from the head.

Another embodiment is directed to a device for connecting to a fishingline to attract fish. The device includes a body with first and secondsections each having a head, an indent, and a tail. The head has anelongated shape with an upstream tip and a downstream end. The head alsoincludes a curved outer face and a relatively flat inner face. Theindent is located at the inner face and extends in a straight line fromthe tip to the end. The indent has an open side and curved sidewalls.The tail extends outward from the end of the head. The tail is laterallyoffset from a projection of the indent that extends outward beyond theend of the head. The body is adjustable between a first configurationwith the first section connected to the second section and a secondconfiguration with the first section spaced away from the secondsection. In the first configuration, the inner faces of the head facetogether with the indents being aligned and forming a continuous,enclosed channel that extends through the head.

The device may further include a projection that extends outward fromthe inner face of the first section and a receptacle that extends intothe inner face of the second section. The projection may be positionedwithin the receptacle in the first configuration to connect the firstand second sections.

The head of each of the first and second sections may have a taperedshape with the tip having a narrower width than the end when measured ina plane perpendicular to an axis of the indent.

The head in the first configuration may have a circular cross-sectionalshape within a plane that is perpendicular to the enclosed channel.

The device of claim 9, wherein the enclosed channel in the firstconfiguration may have a circular cross-sectional shape within a planethat is perpendicular to the enclosed channel.

Each of the tails may include a single fin that extends outward from theend of the head, or may include a pair of fins that are spaced apart andthat each extend outward from the end of the head.

The end of the head may include a shoulder where the tail is spacedlaterally inward from an outer side of the end of the head.

The inner faces of the first and second sections may abut together inthe first configuration.

Another embodiment is directed to a device for connecting to a fishingline to attract fish. The device includes a body with first and secondsections that each include a head, a tail, and an indent. The headincludes an upstream tip and a downstream end. The head also includes acurved outer face and a relatively flat inner face. The tail extendsoutward from the head and includes a flange at a distal end oppositefrom the head. The indent is positioned in the inner face and extends ina straight line from the tip to the end of the head. The indent has anopen side and curved sidewalls. The body is adjustable between a firstconfiguration with the first section connected to the second section anda second configuration with the first section spaced away from thesecond section. In the first configuration, the inner faces of the headabut together with the indents aligned forming a continuous, enclosedchannel that extends through the head. The body includes a longitudinalcenterline in the first configuration that is spaced away from the tail.

The tail may be laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline.

Another embodiment is directed to a device for connecting to a fishingline to attract fish. The device includes: a body with first and secondsections. Each of the first and second sections includes a head with anelongated shape that includes an upstream tip and a downstream end, anda curved outer face and a relatively flat inner face, a channel indentin the inner face that extends in a straight line from the tip to theend and having an open side and curved sidewalls, a tail that extendsoutward from the end of the head and is laterally offset from aprojection of the channel indent that extends outward beyond the end ofthe head, and a slot indent in the inner face that is laterally offsetfrom the channel and exposed along the curved outer face of the head.The body is adjustable between a first configuration with the firstsection connected to the second section and a second configuration withthe first section spaced away from the second section. The firstconfiguration includes the inner faces of the head facing together withthe channel indents aligned forming a continuous, enclosed channel thatextends through the head and the slot indents aligned forming anenlarged slot.

The various aspects of the various embodiments may be used alone or inany combination, as is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an attractor.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an attractor.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an attractor

FIG. 4 is a rear review of an attractor.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of first and second sections in an openconfiguration.

FIG. 6 is a section view along line VI-VI of FIG. 2 illustrating firstand second sections connected together.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an attractor connected to fishing line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to a device configured to beconnected to fishing line to attract fish. The device is shaped to bemoved through the water and generally includes a head and a tail. Achannel extends through at least a portion of the device and is sized toreceive the fishing line. The device is constructed from multiplesections. The sections are selectively positionable between a closedconfiguration with the sections connected together to connect the deviceto the fishing line, and an open configuration with the sections beingseparated to remove the device from the fishing line.

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 illustrate various attractors 10. The attractors 10include a body with a head 20 and a tail 30. The attractors 10 includean elongated shape with a longitudinal centerline A that extends througha center of the body along the length of the device. A channel 40extends through a center of the head 20 and is aligned on thelongitudinal centerline A. The channel 40 is sized to receive thefishing line, and includes a curved shape in a plane perpendicular tothe longitudinal centerline A without any jagged edges that could damagethe fishing line. The channel 40 being positioned at the center of thedevice facilitates the movement through the water in a generallystraight direction with the head 20 being upstream from the tail 30.

The head 20 includes a tip 21 at a front, proximal end and an opposingend 22. The head 20 includes a tapered shape with the tip 21 beingnarrower than the end 22. In one embodiment, the end 22 includes thegreatest width measured in a plane that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal centerline A. The shape is formed similar to a bullet tofacilitate movement through the water. The head 20 may include acircular cross-sectional shape along a majority or entirety of thelength when cut along the plane that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal centerline A. The end 22 includes a shoulder 23 that isformed by the tail 30 being positioned laterally inward from an outerside 24 of the head 20. The end 22 may be substantially flat and alignedin the perpendicular plane.

The tail 30 extends outward from the end 22 of the head 20 along thelongitudinal centerline A. The tail 30 includes a first fin 31 and asecond fin 32. Each fin 31, 32 includes a mounting section 37 thatextends longitudinally outward from the end 22 of the body 20, and aflange 35 at the distal end. The flange 35 extends laterally outwardbeyond the adjacent outer side of the mounting section 37. The mountingsection 37 provides a space to attach a skirt or other similar device tothe attractor 10. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the outer envelope of thetail 30 that is formed by the flanges 35 may be smaller than that of thehead 20. In another embodiment, the outer envelopes of the tail 30 andhead 20 are the same. The mounting sections 37 are positioned within theouter envelope of the head 20 (and the flanges 35).

FIG. 4 is a rear view of a device 10 that illustrates the fins 31, 32with flanges 35 that abut together. Each of the flanges 35 includes aninner side 34 that face together towards each other. The inner sides 34of the flanges 35 may be substantially flat to facilitate the abuttingpositioning. Each flange 35 includes an indent 51 that are alignedtogether to form a portion of the channel 40. Other designs may includethe inner sides 34 of the fins 31, 32 being spaced apart with anintermediate slot. The slot is aligned with and forms a portion of thechannel 40.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the longitudinal centerline A of thedevice 10 extends along the channel 40 in the head 20, along the slot 33formed between the mounting sections 37 of the fins 31, 32 of the tail30, and through the opening in the flanges 35 of the tail. The channel40 extends through the length of the head 20 from the tip 21 to the end22. The channel 40 is enclosed along the length of the head 20 andformed by curved sidewalls that extend along this length. The channel 40along the body 20 and the flanges 35 includes a circular cross-sectionalshape when measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinalcenterline A. The circular shape of the channel 40 prevents the device10 from damaging the fishing line as the line moves through the head 20.

The attractor 10 as illustrated in FIG. 5 is divided into separatesections 50 that are selectively positionable between a closedconfiguration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration,the sections 50 are connected together to form the enclosed channel 40to connect the attractor 10 to the fishing line. In the openconfiguration, the sections 50 are separated such that the attractor 10can be removed from the fishing line.

FIG. 5 includes an attractor 10 with first and second sections 50. Eachof the sections 50 includes an outer side 53 having a curved shape, andan inner face 52. The sections 50 each comprise half of the overallattractor 10. When the sections 50 are connected together, the faces 52are positioned together and the outer sides 53 align to form the overalltapered, bullet shape of the head 20 and the extending tail 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the face 52 of each section 50 may besubstantially flat to facilitate connection of the sections 50. Thefaces 52 may abut together in the closed configuration, or may bepositioned slightly spaced apart. Each face 52 also includes indents 51that extend the length of the head 20. The indents 51 include an openside that faces outward and a curved sidewall. As illustrated, thesidewalls extend the entire length of the indents 51. When the sections50 are connected together, the indents 51 align and form the enclosedchannel 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, each section 50 may also include at least oneprojection 59 that extends outward from the face 52, and at least onereceptacle 58 that extends into the face 52 and is sized to receive thecorresponding projection 59. When the sections 50 are in the closedconfiguration, the one or more projections 59 extend into thecorresponding one or more receptacles 58 to form an interference fit toconnect the sections 50.

The flanges 35 may also be configured to engage together when thesections 50 are connected. One of the flanges 35 may include anextension that extends outward from the flange between the outer edgeand the indent 51. The corresponding flange 35 on the opposing section35 may include a recess positioned between the outer edge and the indent51. When the sections 50 are connected together, the extension fits intothe recess. This configuration facilitates aligning the tail sectionswhen the sections 50 are connected together.

FIG. 6 illustrates the sections 50 in a closed configuration withcorresponding projections 59 positioned in corresponding receptacles 58.Each projection 59 includes a neck 90 with a relatively narrow width anda head 91 with a larger width. The corresponding receptacle 58 on theopposing section 50 includes a narrow first section 92 and wider secondsection 93. When the sections 50 are being connected together, the head91 of each projection 59 may be compressed as it moves along the firstsection 92 of the receptacle 58. When the head 91 moves into the secondsection 93, the head 91 expands. This causes an audible sound and/ortactile feel that is heard/felt by the user thus confirming that thesections 50 are connected together. The enlarged head 91 furthermaintains the sections 50 together during use.

The number and arrangement of the projections 59 and receptacles 58 oneach section 50 may vary. FIG. 5 includes each section 50 with a pair ofprojections 59 and opposing sides of the indent 51. A first projection59 is on a first lateral side of the front of the body 20 and a secondprojection 59 on a second lateral side at the back of the body 20.Corresponding receptacles 58 are likewise positioned on each section 50.

The projections 59 and corresponding receptacles 58 may be slightlymisaligned to add further interference when the sections 50 areconnected together. This may include a center of the projections 59being laterally offset from the centerline A a different amount than acenter of the corresponding receptacle. This offset provides foradditional interference that strengthens the interference fit betweenthe sections 50 when connected together.

Each of the sections 50 may also include an extension 26 also extendsoutward from the inner face 52. A corresponding cavity 25 is positionedon an opposing lateral side of the indent 51. The extension 26 in thefirst section 50 is sized and shaped to engage with a correspondingcavity 25 in the second section 50. Thus, when the sections 50 areconnected together, each section 50 includes an extension 26 thatextends into and engages with the corresponding cavity 25. Theextensions 26 and cavities 25 may be configured to facilitate theconnection, such as with a ball and detent combination 27, 28 thatengage together. The cavity 25 may be larger than the correspondingextension 26, or may be larger or offset to provide for additionalinterference to strengthen the connection between the sections 50.

The extensions 26 further provide the aesthetic appearance of an eye tofurther attract fish to the device 10. The two extensions 26 positionedon opposing sides of the body 20 give the appearance of a fish movingthrough the water. Markings with paint or other indicia may be attachedto the outer side of the extension 26 to provide additional aesthetics.

The sections 50 may be difficult to disconnected during use, therefore,the device 10 includes a slot 71 to facilitate the separation of thesections 50. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, one or more indents 70extend into the inner face 52 of each section 50. When the sections 70are connected together, the indents 70 align and form the slot 71 thatis sized to receive a tip of tool that is used to pry apart the sections50. This positioned along the exterior edge provides for the indents 70to be accessible when the body sections 50 are connected together.

FIGS. 1 and 5 include slots 71 formed by indents 70 in each section 50.In another embodiment, the slot 71 is formed by a single indent 70 (i.e,just one of the sections 50 includes an indent 70). As illustrated inFIG. 1, the slot 33 formed between the mounting sections 37 in the tail30 may also be used for insertion of a tool to pry apart the sections50.

FIG. 7 illustrates the attractor 10 in use. During connection to thefishing line 100, the fisherman aligns the fishing line 100 with theindents 51 of the two sections 50. The fisherman than connects thesections 50 together to form the channel 40, such as through engagementwith the one or more projections 59 and receptacles 58 as explainedabove and illustrated in FIG. 6. The fishing line 100 extends throughthe channel 40 in the head 20 and the slot 33 of the tail 30 (and thusdoes not contact against the fins 31, 32 along the tail 30). The size ofthe channel 40 relative to the fishing line 100 and the spacing of thefins 31, 32 away from the fishing line 100 provides for the attractor 10to move along the fishing line 100. Hooks 101 may be positioned alongthe fishing line 100 in proximity to the attractor 10 to hook a fish.One or more swivels (not illustrated) may be positioned along the line100 to limit the extent of movement of the attractor along the line 100as the swivels are larger than the channel 40. It is understood that thefishing line 100 may include a leader that prevents a fish from breakingand/or biting through the line.

The attractor 10 may be removed from the fishing line 100 by the userdisconnecting the two sections 50. The fisherman may be able to graspeach section 50 with their fingers and pull them apart. Alternatively, atool, such as a screwdriver, may be inserted in the slot 70 formedbetween the sections 50. The tool may be used to pry the sections 50apart.

The multi-piece construction provides for removing and replacing theattractor 10 without cutting the fishing line 100. This provides forquick changes of the attractor 10, such as at a time when the fish arebiting, and during poor environmental conditions. The different sections50 may be constructed in different colors, as well as the skirts 110that are attached to the tail 30. Thus, the fisherman may adjust thecolor of the attractor 10 as they feel necessary while fishing.

The eyes may also be formed by separate elements that are attached tothe body 20. The body 20 includes a pair of cavities on opposing sidesof the channel 20. Eyes are positioned within each of the cavities togive the device 10 a fish-like appearance. The eyes are separateelements that are attached in the cavity. The eyes may be attached invarious manners, including an interference fit, snap-fit with one of thebody 20 and eye including a receptacle and the other including aprotrusion that fits within the receptacle, adhesive, and mechanicalfastener.

To separate the connections sections 50, a tool is inserted into theslot 71 formed by the one or more indents 70. In another embodiment, thetool is inserted between the mounting sections 37 of the fins 31, 32 anda force applied to separate the sections 50.

The embodiments described above include the device 10 acting as anattractor to lure the fish to the hooks 101 that are separately attachedto the fishing line 100 as illustrated in FIG. 8. The device 10 itselfmay be equipped with one or more hooks 101.

FIGS. 1 and 5 include each section 50 including one of the fins 31, 32.Alternatively, the sections 50 may include a portion of each of the fins31, 32. The sections 50 may also include a portion of the intermediateslot 33.

The device 10 may be constructed from various materials, including butnot limited to various plastics, lead, and metals. The attractor 10 maybe constructed to float or sink in the water. In one embodiment, gapsare formed on the faces 52 of each section that form an enclosed areathat holds air when the sections 50 are connected together. The enclosedarea 52 provides for the attractor 10 to float. In another embodiment,one or more weights may be positioned in the head 20 of each section 50causing the attractor 10 to sink. Further, the various materials mayprovide for sinking or floating as necessary.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”,“comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate thepresence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additionalelements or features. The articles “a” “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise.

The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways thanthose herein set forth without departing from the scope and essentialcharacteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalencyrange of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for attaching to a fishing line toattract fish, the device comprising: a body with an elongated shape witha longitudinal centerline, the body comprising: a head with an upstreamtip and a downstream end; a first enclosed channel that extends alongthe longitudinal centerline through a center of the head, the channelextending from the tip to the end of the head, the channel having acircular sectional shape along an entirety of the head in a planeperpendicular to the longitudinal centerline; a tail that extendsaxially outward from the end of the head, the tail comprising first andsecond mounting sections and a flange at ends of the mounting sectionsaway from the head; a second enclosed channel that extends along thelongitudinal centerline through a center of the flange and having acircular shape in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinalcenterline; a slot formed between the first and second mounting sectionsand positioned along the longitudinal centerline between the head andthe tail, the slot intersects and extends transversely across thelongitudinal centerline and includes open sides which are opposed toeach other and are open to an exterior of the device; the body beingconstructed from first and second separate pieces that are divided alongthe first and second channels with a first portion of the first andsecond channels, a first portion of the flange, and the first mountingsection being part of the first piece and a second portion of the firstand second channels, a second portion of the flange, and the secondmounting section being part of the second piece.
 2. The device of claim1, wherein the head has a tapered shape with the tip having a narrowerwidth than the end when measured perpendicular to the longitudinalcenterline.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the body further comprisesa second slot formed at an intersection of the first and second pieces,the second slot including a first slot portion formed in the first pieceand a second slot portion formed in the second piece, the first andsecond slot portions being aligned together to form the second slot. 4.The device of claim 1, further comprising a projection that extendsoutward from the first piece and includes a narrow neck and an enlargeddistal end and a receptacle in the second piece that includes a narrowfirst portion at a face of the second piece and an enlarged secondportion spaced further from the face, the projection being positioned inthe receptacle in a closed position with the neck aligned at the firstportion and the distal end aligned at the second portion.
 5. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the end of the head includes a shoulder where themounting sections are spaced laterally inward from an outer side of thehead.
 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a projection on thefirst piece that extends along the first portion of the channel and areceptacle on the second piece that extends along the second portion ofthe channel, the projection sized to fit within the receptacle and forman interference fit to maintain the first piece connected to the secondpiece.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the mounting sectionscomprises a flat face, the faces being oriented towards each other andbeing located on opposing sides of the longitudinal centerline.
 8. Adevice for connecting to a fishing line to attract fish, the devicecomprising: a body with first and second sections, each of the first andsecond sections comprising: a head with an elongated shape that includesan upstream tip and a downstream end, the head also comprising a curvedouter face and a relatively flat inner face; a first channel indent inthe inner face that extends in a straight line from the tip to the end,the first channel indent having an open side and a curved sidewall; amounting section that extends outward from the end of the head, themounting section being laterally offset from a projection of the firstchannel indent that extends outward beyond the end of the head; a flangemounted to an end of the mounting section opposite from the head, theflange comprising a flat inner face with a second channel indent havingan open side and a curved sidewall; a slot indent in the inner face ofthe head that is laterally offset from the first channel indent andexposed along the curved outer face of the head; the body beingadjustable between a first configuration with the first sectionconnected to the second section and a second configuration with thefirst section spaced away from the second section; the firstconfiguration including the inner faces of the head and the flangefacing together with the channel indents aligned forming an enclosedfirst channel that extends through the head and an enclosed secondchannel that extends through the flange and the slot indents alignedforming an enlarged slot; the first configuration also including themounting sections positioned on opposing sides of a second slot thatextends along the longitudinal centerline with the mounting sectionsbeing spaced apart on opposing sides of the second slot with the secondslot being located between the head and the flange and being exposed atsides thereof to an exterior of the device.
 9. The device of claim 8,further comprising a projection that extends outward from the inner faceof the first section and a receptacle that extends into the inner faceof the second section, the projection being positioned within thereceptacle in the first configuration to connect the first and secondsections.
 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the head of each of thefirst and second sections has a tapered shape with the tip having anarrower width than the end when measured in a plane perpendicular tothe longitudinal centerline.
 11. The device of claim 8, wherein the headin the first configuration has a circular cross-sectional shape within aplane that is perpendicular to the enclosed channel.
 12. The device ofclaim 8, wherein the first and second enclosed channels in the firstconfiguration have circular cross-sectional shapes within planes thatare perpendicular to the first and second enclosed channels.
 13. Thedevice of claim 8, wherein each of the mounting sections comprises asingle mounting section that extends outward from the end of the head.14. The device of claim 8, wherein the inner faces of the first andsecond sections abut together in the first configuration.
 15. A devicefor connecting to a fishing line to attract fish, the device comprising:a body with first and second sections, each of the first and secondsections comprising: a head with an upstream tip and a downstream end,the head also comprising a curved outer face and a relatively flat firstinner face; a tail that extends outward from the head and includes amounting section and a flange at a distal end of the mounting sectionopposite from the head, the flange having a relatively flat second innerface; a first channel indent in the first inner face that extends in astraight line from the tip to the end of the head and a second channelindent in the second inner face, the channel indents having open sidesand curved sidewalls; a projection that extends outward from the firstinner face and includes a narrow neck and a wider distal end; areceptacle in the first inner face that includes a narrow first sectionthat extends inward from the first inner face and a wider second sectionspaced away from the first inner face; the body being adjustable betweena first configuration with the first section connected to the secondsection and a second configuration with the first section spaced awayfrom the second section; the first configuration including the firstinner faces of the heads and the second inner faces of the flangesrespectively abutting together with the channel indents aligned formingan enclosed channel that extends through at least a portion of the headsand the flanges; the first configuration including a slot in theenclosed channel that extends between the heads and the flanges andformed between the mounting sections; the first configuration furtherincluding each of the projections on each of the sections mounted in oneof the receptacles of the opposing section with the narrow neckspositioned along the narrow first section and the wider distal endspositioned along the wider second section; the body includes alongitudinal centerline in the first configuration that is spaced awayfrom the mounting sections and the slot being exposed laterally to anexterior of the device with respect to the longitudinal centerline.